This year, the University will welcome new students and faculty members to the 2008-09 school year with an introductory look at how the brain functions at the 2008 University convocation.
The University convocation’s main event will be a keynote address by Harvard University professor Steven Pinker, who is a leading cognitive research scientist, according to a University release.
“(Pinker) specializes in visual cognition and language and is known to make connections to audiences through humor and frequent references to popular culture,” according to the release.
In his speech, Pinker – who also specializes in evolutionary psychology – plans to discuss his research into how the mind works, University spokesperson Julie Brown said.
Convocation, which is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. in McArthur Court Sept. 28, is free and open to all University students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Following the event, The Duck Store has sponsored a book signing with Pinker, who has written several books on cognitive science that were named New York Times best sellers.
“Pinker was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and has appeared on Comedy Central’s ‘The Colbert Report’ to discuss his research expertise,” according to the release.
[email protected]